In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same. (1)
We tell ourselves that only the big stuff matters. That isn’t the case. If a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, then a society is only as truthful and just as it’s tiniest act of truth and justice.
Stands to reason, don’t you think?
The light of men is Justice. Quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of justice is the appearance of unity among men. (2)
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Photograph – UNICEF – Photo of the week, 19 September 2011
Pakistan, 2011: A man and his daughter cross an expanse of flood water in Digri, Sindh Province. More than 5 million people have been affected by monsoon rains and flooding. The crisis comes one year after the country’s 2010 monsoon-related disaster, flooding that affected 18 million people and covered much of the country in water. UNICEF is working with the Government and other United Nations agencies and partners to supply safe drinking water, medicines, vaccines and other critical relief.
(1) Albert Einstein
(2)Baha’u’llah, Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p. 67
Related articles
- The Null Set (bulldozer00.com)
- The Intimate Life of A. Einstein (time.com)
- Lecture: Across a Cultural Divide – Rabindranath Tagore in Discourse with Albert Einstein and Martin Buber (lbi.org)
- Albert Einstein on Creativity (brandautopsy.com)
This moved me, the photo which speaks a thousand words, and your message. Sometimes, I try to help when the world has a natural disaster by donating, but at others, I don’t know what to do, so send a prayer or thoughts of healing.
I think it is a wonderful photograph too. It is so hard to think about all the suffering in the world sometimes – overwhelming. I feel very much like you describe – helpless. Often all we can do is think of and pray for the victims of tragedies – I think that does count for something. Maybe that and at least strive to ensure that we don’t even inadvertently add to the suffering.
Being truthful and just in our own small, insignificant ways might be the way forward – if we all do it maybe there’ll be a tipping point where it’ll cascade into a just and equitable world?
Thought provoing post, Patricia.
If the chain only has one weak link . . . because the rest is STRONG . . . then we can FIX IT when it breaks.
Excellent point, Nancy. The overall integrity of ‘the chain’ is defined by the willingness to fix it, I think as opposed to an expectation that it be flawless or that we maintain an illusion of strength.